Caria, Isl. of Rhodes AE12 (c.188-84 BC) - ex. Alexander Pasha, Prince of Samos NGC Ch. VF (Story Vault)

Why purchase this bronze coin from the private collection of Prince Alexandre Caratheodory Pasha?

This AE12, bronze 12 mm diameter coin, was struck 188-84 B.C. on the Carian Island of Rhodes honoring their sun god Helios. It is a small gesture, considering that the Rhodians built a 32 meter (100 feet) tall statue in his honor in 280 BC. Known as the Colossus of Rhodes, the magnificent Helios statue is recognized as the sixth of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

This beautiful coin was once one of the personal treasures of Alexandre Caratheodory Pasha, Prince of the Island of Samos (1885-1894). Also a notable Ottoman diplomat, the Prince's nearly 630-coin collection was recently consigned to auction by one of his descendants.

Imagery representing the Rhodians

The Rhodians' respect for the sun god Helios as the pilot of the daily sun chariot inspired the obverse design of the coin. Helios is portrayed facing right, wearing a radiate crown.

Struck slightly off center, the reverse features the symbol of Rhodes, a rose in bloom, positioned within an incuse square. The incuse square reverse revived a design characteristic more common to coinage of the 5th century B.C.

Choice Very Fine Ancient Bronze Coin

This AE12 struck on the ancient Greek Carian Island of Rhodes 188-84 B.C. was graded by the ancient coin division of the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Graded Choice Very Fine (Sheldon Scale equivalent of 30-35), this ancient coin will exhibit almost complete design details with obvious wear on the coin's highest surfaces. The coin is encapsulated, accompanied by a certification label declaring the coin's inclusion in the Alexandre Caratheodory Pasha (1833-1906) Collection. It even comes in a special story vault holder!

This Choice Very Fine bronze coin of ancient Rhodes from a royal hoard will be an impressive addition to your ancient coin collection!